March 2015 Hot News

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March 2015 Hot News

30 March 2015

Prodigy Clarinetist Raphael Severe from Paris on tour in the USA performs Recital at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theatre

Washington, DC USA

29 March 2015

University of Maryland Clarinet Day - VIP Robert DiLutis, Director, with VIP Mark Nuccio - Associate and Eb Clarinetist in the New York Philharmonic

Hyattsville, Maryland USA

by Joseph Beverly

Maryland Clarinet Day 2015, presented by the University of Maryland Clarinet Studio and Buffet Crampon, took place on the beautiful campus of DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, MD on March 29. Host Robert DiLutis, UMD Professor and Buffet Artist, planned an exciting day of classes, vendors and performances that more than 75 clarinetists of all ages could learn from and enjoy. The featured guest artist was Mark Nuccio, newly appointed principal clarinet of the Houston Symphony. Other guest artists included UMD faculty members David Jones (Kennedy Center Orchestra) and Paul Cigan (National Symphony Orchestra).

Robert DiLutis and UMD Clarinet Day participants

Classes occurred throughout the day and were tailored to specific topics. Jones taught an excellent class on high school All-State preparation, while Cigan presented a lecture on orchestral excerpts for college students and professionals. DiLutis held a master class with students of many different levels, introducing innovative teaching strategies that were beneficial to both teacher and student. Nuccio also facilitated an excellent master class full of insight that immediately helped many students improve.

Along with the master classes, there were many exciting performances throughout the day. The day began with an impressive performance by the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestra Clarinet Choir, led by director Albert Hunt. This was followed by a short recital of solo clarinet works featuring performers from the UMD clarinet studio. After lunch, DiLutis conducted the clarinet choir reading session. This gave participants a chance to play several challenging and beautiful clarinet choir pieces alongside professionals and teachers. The closing recital of the day was Mark Nuccio’s performance of Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet with a group of graduate string students from the University of Maryland. Nuccio exemplified an ideal tone and emotional connection in this masterfully artistic performance.

Many different vendors and sponsors were in attendance as well, including Buffet Crampon, Music & Arts, RJ Music, Lohff & Pfeiffer, Rovner, L & L Music – Wind Shop, Redwine Jazz and D’Addario. There were reeds, mouthpieces, ligatures, music, and many different Buffet clarinets on display for everyone to try and purchase. Wolfgang Lohff also gave a very insightful and practical class on clarinet repair and maintenance. Maryland Clarinet Day 2015 was a success and we hope that you will join us in 2016!

29 March 2015

Master Class with VIP Jessica Phillips-Rieske at the University of Southern California at Northridge - VIP Julia Heinen, Host

Northridge, California USA

Summary Information forthcoming

28 March 2015

8th Troy University (Alabama) Clarinet Day - VIP Timothy Phillips, Director

Troy, Alabama USA

A report by Joshua R. Mietz

Troy University in Troy, Alabama is pleased to announce the successful completion of its eighth annual Clarinet Day hosted by Timothy Philips. Students from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Missouri and even Pennsylvania joined a diversely international contingent of guest artists. The artist roster included: Wonkak Kim (Tennessee Technological University) and his wife, collaborative pianist Eun-Hye Grace Choi; Jan Jakub Bokun (President of the Polish branch of the International Clarinet Association); Jean-François Bescond (D’Addario); barrel developer and repairman extrodinaire, Wojtek Komsta; “Monsters of Clarinet” founder, Jeffrey Brooks; Jennifer Tinberg (Troy University); Timothy Phillips (Troy University); his wife, Katrina Phillips (Alabama State University); and Joshua R. Mietz (Casper College). It should be noted that Choi performed masterfully on all works with piano at this year’s festival.

The morning recital opened with a welcoming speech by and performance by Timothy Phillips. He performed a work written in honor of his daughter called, Little Violet by Carl Vollrath. Katrina Phillips delighted the audience with her fiery performance of the first movement of Muczynski’s Time Pieces. Mietz and Brooks shared a set of music by Eric Mandat with Mietz playing Folk Songs and Brooks’ playing Tricolor Capers. The recital concluded with Jennifer Tinberg’s performance of Cavallini’s Carnavale di Venezia, an arrangement for E-flat clarinet. The audience showed great enthusiasm for all performances heard on this recital.

Following the opening recital, clarinetists began rehearsals for the festival clarinet choir. This year’s festival choir included 70 clarinetists of all ages and abilities. Between sessions, clarinetists were encouraged to visit the vendor booths of Capitol Music, Rodriguez Musical Services, Lohff & Pfeiffer USA, Brooks Musical Services, Onks Woodwind Specialists, Mike Wagner, Hannah’s Oboes (clarinet division) and Wojtek Komsta. This event was generously sponsored in part by Buffet Crampon, Vandoren, D’Addario, Yamaha, BG, and Troy University.

Bokun presented an exciting recital to conclude the morning session. He performed Alan Frank’s Suite for 2 Clarinets with Bescond, Piazzolla’s Tango-etude no. 3, Paul Jeanjean’s Clair Matin, Cahuzac’s Cantilène, Piotr Szewczyk’s Jay Jay Bee for Solo Clarinet, and Horovitz’s Sonatin for clarinet and piano. His excitement as a performer is only matched by his excitement as an educator as he demonstrated in his master class, later in the day.

To start the afternoon session, Bescond hosted a captivating recital. He performed Saint-Saëns’ Sonata for Clarinet and Piano, Nigel Keay’s Allusions, and Bartók’s Rumanian Folk Dances. Bescond’s warm and charming personality was well represented in his work with the clarinet. The afternoon master classes featured Bescond and Bokun who each presented some of their notable expertise and pedagogy. Bokun was particularly animated and entertained the audience with his often-comedic portrayal of musical characters. These gentlemen are truly outstanding performers and educators and we should all hope to hear them again in a live performance as soon as possible!

The final concert opened with a performance of John Mackey’s Strange Humors for clarinet choir and djembe. Kim and the clarinet choir performed Fantasia by Alexis Ciesla, Komsta engaged the audience with his performance of Quasi Kwazi III for solo clarinet. Bokun and Bescond returned to the stage with Cervantes’ Two Danzas Cubanas and intermission was preceded by Bokun performing Piazzolla’s Oblivion with Choi. Following intermission, the clarinet choir returned and performed Tango Maria by Francisco Tárrega, America the Beautiful arranged by Jari Villanueva, Charleston arranged by Jack Gale, and Sousa’s Hands Across the Sea, arranged by Ken Abeling. While the performances were stunning, nothing can top the joy seen in Abagail Wiggins’ eyes as she won a new Buffet-Crampon E12F clarinet. Buffet Crampon generously donated a new instrument to be given to one lucky festival participant. Many students wrote essays and after serious deliberation, the committee selected Wiggins as the winner.

The eighth annual Troy University Clarinet Day proved a successful event and showed both the high-level music making at Troy University as well as provided a glimpse of the artistry possessed by those visiting from abroad. Visit Troy University Clarinet Studio on Facebook for more information about this year’s festival and updates on the upcoming 2016 festival!

28 March 2015

4th Morehead State University (Kentucky) Clarinet Day with VIP John Kurokawa (Professor at Wright State University (Ohio), Dr Lori Baruth, Host

Morehead, Kentucky USA

The 4th Annual Morehead State University Clarinet Day was held on Saturday, March 28, 2015 with guest artist, John Kurokawa. Kurokawa is a Yamaha Performing Artist, and principal clarinet of both the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra and the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra. He is also the clarinet professor at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. Prof. Kurokawa presented clinic sessions on "Audition Prep: Keys to Success," and "Setting the Tone: Ways to develop your sound" to students from Morehead State University and high schools from around Kentucky. He coached MSU students in a masterclass and capped off the day with a fantastic recital including works by Poulenc, Gabaye, Strauss, Kovacs, Komives, and Shur. Students were also able to try instruments and purchase accessories from the display by Miles Ahead Music. Sponsors of the event included Yamaha Corp. USA, Miles Ahead Music, Hurst Music, the Morehead State University Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance, Morehead State Public Radio, and the Hinkle Endowment. The event was hosted by Dr. Lori Baruth, Associate Professor of Clarinet at Morehead State University.

21 March 2015

Rowan College Clarinet Day with VIP Ayoka Oshima and the NY Licorice Ensemble - Rie Suzuki, Director

Rowan, New Jersey USA

Summary Information forthcoming

20 - 21 March 2015

Vandoren Clarinet Ensemble Festival - University of South Alabama - Performing Organization Chairman Mitchell Estrin (Professor at the University of Florida) and VIP and Vandoren Artist Director David Gould, Directors

Mobile, Alabama USA

The venue was a very good fit and host Mike Phillips did a wonderful job making sure everything flowed smoothly. The show was extremely successful from a participation standpoint. It was the largest choir we’ve ever had as over 60 clarinetists participated in the choir. Mitch seems to think it was among the best choirs he’s directed. Here is a great quote from Mitch on the event.

“VCEF is a great celebration of the clarinet ensemble in all of its various guises. The most recent event, hosted by the University of South Alabama, brought together some of the finest clarinet performers and ensembles in the southeastern United States. The highlight for me was certainly having the opportunity to conduct the 62 member mass clarinet choir which was one of the finest clarinet choirs I have ever heard. The musicianship, fraternalism, and camaraderie displayed by all in attendance was inspiring.”

14 March 2015

University of Delaware (Newark) Clarinet Day with VIP Robert DiLutis - Dr Christopher Nichols, Host

Newark, Delaware USA

Report by Director Christopher Nichols

The University of Delaware Department of Music in Newark, Delaware. Forty participants ranging in age from seventh grade to “retired” joined Dr. Christopher Nichols and the UD Clarinet Studio for this event in the Roselle Center for the Arts. The day-long event included performances, festival choir rehearsals, a clinic, a master class, and vendor exhibits for all in attendance to explore. Robert DiLutis, Associate Professor of Clarinet at the University of Maryland-College Park, served as the featured guest artist.

The day opened with a welcome introducing the various vendors and exhibits at the event by Dr. Christopher Nichols. This was followed by a recital showcasing the UD Clarinet Ensemble performing Anthony O’Toole’s Technodrone (2014), a work written for premiere by the group at ClarinetFest 2014, and Henry Mancini’s The Pink Panther, arranged by Calvin Custer.

The first clinic of the day by Michael Hammer of Hammer Woodwinds Company in Bensalem, PA, discussed a wide variety of considerations. These included topics such as instrument care and maintenance, instrument and mouthpiece selection, and aftermarket barrels. Mr. Hammer’s observations on the effects of materials such as key plating and pads on response and sonority were particularly intriguing. This clinic concluded with a question and answer session with attendees.

After a lunch break, Robert DiLutis presented a featured artist recital including works by Eugene Bozza, Louis Cahuzac, Victor Babin, and Joseph Horovitz, joined by UD faculty collaborative pianist Julie Nishimura. Mr. Dilutis’ performance demonstrated technical and artistic mastery of the instrument throughout with a pure, resonant sonority and perfect intonation. Mr. DiLutis and Ms. Nishimura were joined by Dr. Nichols to conclude the program with Felix Mendelssohn’s Concertpiece No. 2 in D minor, which was followed by a standing ovation.

Following the recital, Mr. DiLutis presented a master class with UD undergraduate and graduate students Casey Wilkes, Caroline Aylward, Heather Heacock, Sarah Miller, and Sarah Greendoner. Over the course of the class, Mr. DiLutis discussed a wide variety of topics such as orchestral audition preparation, rhythm, practice techniques, articulation, and sound production. Mr. DiLutis’ instruction was concise and effective. His suggestions resulted significant improvements in each performer’s clarinet performance.

In addition to the clinic, master class and performances, attendees were able to visit exhibits by Hammer Music Company, D’Addario, Allison’s Clarinet Shop, composer Kevin Cope, Music and Arts, Accent Music and RJ Music Group. Participants received a t-shirt, catered lunch and entry into a drawing for prizes. The lucky winner, Kourtney Bastianelli, received a clarinet pro-pack including a tuner, clarinet stand and silk swab donated by Music and Arts. Delaware Clarinet Day acknowledges Buffet Group USA, Hammer Music Company, Music and Arts, Accent Music, and the University of Delaware’s Department of Music for their generous support of the event.

The day concluded with a performance by the Delaware Clarinet Day Festival Choir including the following selections: It Isn’t Easy Being a Cuckoo arranged by John Gibson; Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Serenade in Bb arranged by John Neufield and Mitchell Lurie; and Gustav Holst’s A Moorside Suite arranged by Matt Johnston.

The 3rd Annual Delaware Clarinet Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 9, 2016, featuring guest artist clinician Dr. Jonathan Holden, assistant professor of clarinet at the Florida State University. For more information, please contact Dr. Christopher Nichols at crnichol@udel.edu.

9 - 10 March 2015

VIP Charles Neidich Master Classes at Milano Conservatory, Italy - VIP Luigi Magistrelli, Host

Milan, Italy

Summary Information forthcoming

7 March 2015

Catholic University Single Reed Symposium - Dr Ben Redwine, Director - Washington, DC

Washington, DC USA

The Catholic University of America (CUA) presented its Inaugural Single Reed Symposium on March 7th, 2015 at the Benjamin T Rome School of Music on the campus of CUA. The Symposium had 81 registered attendees, with several more walk-ins. Master classes were presented throughout the day as well as clarinet choir, saxophone choir, and single reed choir rehearsals.

Dr. Ben Redwine, clarinet professor at CUA and Dr. Bob Beeson, saxophone professor at CUA were the faculty hosts for this event. Guest faculty members included Robert DiLutis, clarinet professor at the University of Maryland, Dr. Noah Getz, saxophone professor at American University, Dr. Doug O’Connor, saxophone professor at Towson University, and Pedro Rubio, clarinet professor at the Madrid Superior Conservatory.

Master class topics included Military Auditions, Altissimo Register Improvement, Reed Maintenance and Adjustment, Spanish Clarinet Repertory, and Intonation: Physics, Artistry, and Application. Attending were a wide range of ages and abilities of attendees, including middle school musicians, amateurs, public and private school teachers, high schoolers, college students, amateur musicians, retired military musicians, and professional musicians.

The evening’s gala recital featuring all faculty and concluded with all attendees performing in Clarinet choir, Saxophone choir, then the grand finale was the combined Single Reed Choir, conducted by Maestro Simeone Tartaglione, professor of conducting at CUA. The program is listed below.

Spanish Dancer (Melvin Solomon)

Promenade (George Gershwin)

Ben Redwine, clarinet

Ana Benavides, piano

Concerto (Ingolf Dahl)

II. Passacaglia

III.Rondo Alla Marcia

Bob Beeson, saxophone

Roy Hakes, piano

Arlequin for Solo Clarinet (Louis Cahuzac)
     Robert DiLutis, clarinet

Duo for Alto Saxophone and Piano (Amy Williams)
     Noah Getz, saxophone
     Andrew Welch, piano

Press Release (David Lang)
     Doug O’Connor, saxophone

Concurso de Clarinete (Arturo Saco del Valle)
     Pedro Rubio, clarinet
     Ana Benavides, piano

Pavane Pour Une Infante Defunt (Maurice Ravel)
Saxophone Choir

Irish Tune from County Derry (Percy Aldridge Grainger)
Clarinet Choir

Stars and Stripes Forever (John Philip Sousa)
Single Reed Choir

The Benjamin T Rome School of Music is preparing for next year’s Single Reed Symposium. Check the School of Music webpage when details are finalized. http://music.cua.edu/

7 March 2015

Manhattan School of Music 3rd Mitchell Lurie Memorial Clarinet Master Class with VIP Jon Manasse, hosted by VIP Larry Guy

New York City USA

Very happy my MSM Precollege clarinet students got to play for Jon Manasse Saturday in the Third Annual Mitchell Lurie Precollege Clarinet Master Class Series. Jon found exactly the right things to say to each student, and they all benefited tremendously from his musicianship, knowledge and insight. This is a fine tribute to the teachers who aim to send their students to a new and higher level of performance as seen by the results of this master class event.

6 March 2015

Radovan Cavallin Žerjal soloist in Performance of Stanford Clarinet Concerto ,(a Brahms Clarinet Concerto we never had) Maestro Yaron Traub, Conductor and Orquesta Filarmonica de Gran Canariathe Philharmonic Orchestra of the Gran Canaria

Canary Islands

A brilliant performance with a Brahms-like stature work took place with solo clarinetist Radovan Cavallin Zerjal with this Orchestra to high acclaim. Information about this work is below to get familiar with this piece with hopes of more exposure and performances.

Radovan Cavallin was born in Zagreb, Croatia, in 1969 At age 13 he entered the Academy of Music at the University of Zagreb, becoming the youngest student ever admitted in University's history. There four years later he graduated with honours and distinction.In 1986 he was chosen from 76 candidates to enter at the Conservatoire National Superieur de Musique de Paris, where he was awarded the following prizes: 1st Prize Chamber Music unanimously class Christian Lardé in 1988 and 1st Prize Clarinet unanimously Guy in class Deplus in 1989.During his studies in Paris, he received a scholarship four times: 1986, Ivo Pogorelich Scholarship; 1987 Scholarship Nadia Boulanger and Lily; and 1988 and 1989, French Government Scholarship. He has received awards in the following competitions: 1st National Prize for Clarinet in Yugoslavia on 4 occasions (1981, 1983, 1985, and 1986), 1st Prize of the International Clarinet Competition in Ancona (Italy) in 1984, 2nd Prize at the International Competition Clarinet "Dos Hermanas in Sevilla (Spain) in 1995.He has performed over 400 solo concerts in USA, Italy, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Belgium, Japan, Portugal, Spain, Czechoslovakia, Colombia, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia and Montenegro. He has performed as soloist with orchestras such as the Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra RTV Zagreb, Zagreb Soloists, Orchestra of Belgrade, Sinfonia Varsovia, Orchestre National de Gottwaldov (former Czechoslovakia), Orchestra del Teatro Bologna Philharmonic Orchestra of Gran Canaria , Las Palmas Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra Béla Bartók, Orchestra Franco-Belgian Brussels and Extremadura Orchestra, Symphony Dubrovnik (Croatia), Opera Orchestra of Rijeka (Croatia), St Giles Orchestra among others interpreting concertos by Francaix , Mozart, Nielsen, Stanford, Copland, Weber, Tomasi, Takemitzu, Danzi, Strauss, Bruch, Lindpeintner, Krommer, Debussy, Stanford, Leloup, Palacios, Shaw, Grgin, Adamic, Kovacevic and others! He was also a soloist with STING at his concert Symphonicity with his band and Orquesta Filarmonica de Gran Canaria.He has performed as a soloist at festivals in Ferrara (Italy), Dubrovnik (Croatia), Bad Hersfeld (Germany), Granada, La Orotava (Tenerife), Brussels (Belgium), Lisbon (Portugal) Ibagué (Colombia) and Baton Rouge (USA ).He has made recordings for labels like Yugoton, Croatia Records, BMG Arte Nova, Maguelone, AgrupArte Productions, Cristal Records, Summit Records and ASV. He is one of the founders of the following chamber groups ; Atlantis Quartet, Trio Spohr, Reinecke Quartet, Ensemble and Camerata Alisios with who he has recently made a successful tour of 5 concerts in Japan.He has given master classes in summer school in Zagreb in 1987; Quintanar de la Orden (Toledo) from 2005 to 2013; International Course clarinet "Julián Menéndez" (Ávila) from 2000-2014; 2007.2012 Arucas in 2014; in Lanzarote in 2007; Teror in 2009; the "Clarinetissimo" International Course in Brussels in 2007; the National Association of clarinet in Zagreb in 2007; at the Royal Conservatory of Madrid in 2008; Conservatory of Murcia in 2010; in Congress Clarinet Lisbon in 2008; Ibague (Colombia) in 2011; La Orotava in 2012; in Uzmah-Upbeat, Milna Brac (Croatia) from 2008 to 2013; in Opatija (Croatia) in 2011 to 2014; Groznjan (Croatia) from 2009 to 2012; Vimm 2013, Varaždin (Croatia) 2013 in Tokyo (Japan), 2013 Kawasaki (Japan) 2014; Paris (France) 2014; Pescara (Italy) 2014; Zimm, Zagreb (Croatia), Cocentaina, Alicante (Spain) 2014 and 2014; Virovitica,Croatia, 2015 Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester, United Kingdom.He has also been a member of the jury of several international clarinet competitions in Spain, Croatia ,Portugal and the United States.Since 1989 he is the principal clarinet of Gran Canaria Philharmonic Orchestra and Professor of Clarinet at the Academy of OFGC.Between 2002 and 2010 he was Professor of Clarinet at the Conservatory of Music of the Canary Islands (home of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria).Radovan Cavallin is Selmer artist, Backun, "Silverstein" and Rico and interprets on the clarinet Selmer "Privilege" Backun MoBa "Arabesque" Mouthpiece and "Silverstein"diamond gold ligature and Rico Reeds' Classic Reserve ".